Winners and losers from Packers embarrassing preseason loss to Broncos

As Sean Clifford fumbled the first snap from scrimmage, I smugly sat there thinking: It can only get better.

Narrator: It didn't.

After getting humbled in their joint practice with the Denver Broncos two days earlier, the Green Bay Packers looked even worse in the preseason, losing 27-2 at Empower Field. Outside of a player who probably won't make the 53-man roster forcing a safety, it was a night to forget for Matt LaFleur's team.

Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt tried their best to lose the backup quarterback job, while Greg Joseph's only kick ended up in a different zip code.

Who were the winners and losers from the Packers' preseason game? Spoiler: One of the winners didn't even play.

Winner and losers after Packers loss to Broncos in Preseason Week 2

Winner: Zach Morton

You're probably wondering who Zach Morton is, and it's a fair question. Morton signed with the Packers earlier this month, having previously spent time with the Detroit Lions. His chances of making the 53-man roster are low, but he may have earned practice-squad consideration.

Morton scored the Packers' only points of the night, sacking Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson in the end zone for a safety. Hopefully, he can build on this moment and stack success at practice.

Loser: Sean Clifford

Sean Clifford's night started with a fumble and ended with a benching with seconds remaining in the first half.

The second-year quarterback can't stop throwing interceptions. He completed 6 of 10 passes for 43 yards and a pick, earning a passer rating of just 30.4. Clifford's performances continue to trend in the wrong direction, and the calls for the Packers to sign a veteran quarterback are growing. Clifford needed a big performance to pull ahead in the battle with Michael Pratt, but he may have lost his roster spot.

Winner: AJ Dillon

AJ Dillon didn't play a single snap but was the biggest winner of the night. It seemed uncertain he would even make the Packers' roster after a slow start to the preseason, but Matt LaFleur ended any doubts by not playing him.

LaFleur rested most of the Packers' starters. The fact Dillon didn't play tells us he is very much part of the team's plans and has already secured his spot on the roster.

Loser: Greg Joseph

Greg Joseph had one kick. It looked like he was aiming for the corner of the end zone.

Joseph made a great start to the summer but has struggled of late. Anders Carlson didn't kick in this game, which may actually help his chances of winning the job. Neither kicker has been able to pull away, and it's still all to play for with one preseason game remaining.

Joseph probably wishes the Packers had just gone for it on fourth down.

Loser: Royce Newman

Royce Newman playing the entire preseason game tells us how secure his roster spot is. Royce Newman struggling in the fourth quarter of a preseason game suggests he may not make the 53.

The Packers rested their starters. Other roster locks like Andre Dillard started the game but didn't play for long. Newman played all four quarters, proving he is on the roster bubble. And his performance won't have helped his chances.

He played both guard spots but struggled to make an impact from either position.

Rookie Jacob Monk appears to have overtaken Newman on the depth chart, and the former fourth-round pick is under significant pressure entering the final week of the preseason. Newman's chances of making the 53-man roster dropped dramatically on Sunday night.

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